Questions to think about as we learn how WWI started:
• How can new technology affect
warfare?
• Why did the war become a stalemate on
the Western Front?
• What led to the fall of the czarist regime
in Russia?
• What effect did peace settlements have
on Europe after World War I?
The BIG Idea
Competition Among Countries Militarism, nationalism, and a crisis in the Balkans led to World War I.
Should a country support one of its allies under all circumstances?
Section 1
Causes of the War Nationalism, militarism, and a system of alliances contributed to the start of World War I.
Section 1
• Two alliances were created dividing Europe along national lines.
– Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
– Triple Entente: France, Great Britain, and Russia
Causes of the War (cont.)
Section 1
• Rivalries over colonies and trouble in the Balkans left European nations resentful of each other and eager for revenge.
• Nations began to adopt a policy of militarism, or a readiness for war. They established conscription to ensure an adequate supply of troops.
Causes of the War (cont.)
Section 1
• Nationalism resulted in ethnic groups who had not become nations dreaming about their own national states.
• Growing socialist labor movements encouraged leaders to enter the war in order to suppress internal disorder at home.
Causes of the War (cont.)
Section 1
The Outbreak of War
Serbia’s determination to become a large, independent state angered Austria-Hungary and started hostilities.
Serbia was determined to create a vast independent Slavic state, a vision supported by Russia and greatly opposed by Austria-Hungary.
Section 1
On June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, visited Sarajevo, Bosnia.
The Spark that started the war…
Section 1
• Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb, assassinated the archduke and his wife. Austria-Hungary was outraged and ready to wage war on the Serbian government.
The Outbreak of War (cont.)
• Gavrilo Princip,
• Was a member of he black hand.
• Fire two shots hitting Francis in the neck and his wife in the stomach.
• He was too young for the death penalty at 19 years and was sentence to 20 years in jail.
• Died of TB after 3 1/2years.
Section 1
• The Austrian government feared Russia would support Serbia so they asked Germany for their support.
• Emperor William II of Germany promised Austria-Hungary full support if war broke out with Russia.
The Outbreak of War (cont.)
Section 1
• On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.
• In response to Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war, Russia’s Czar Nicholas II ordered mobilization of the Russian army in order to support Serbia.
• Germany reacted quickly and declared war on Russia.
The Outbreak of War (cont.)
Section 1
• General Alfred von Schlieffen of Germany designed a plan for a two-front war against Russia and France.
– Germany would conduct a small holding action against Russia.
– There would be a rapid invasion of France.
The Outbreak of War (cont.)
Section 1
• Great Britain declared war on Germany after von Schlieffen violated Belgian neutrality by demanding that German troops be allowed to pass through Belgium.
• By August 4, all the Great Powers of Europe were at war.
The Outbreak of War (cont.)
Section 1
Which countries did Great Britain align with at the beginning of the war?
A. Austria-Hungary and Germany
B. Germany and Russia
C. Russia and France
D. Serbia and Austria-Hungary
VS 1
RECAP THE BIG IDEAS.
• Nationalism contributed to the start of World War I, as rivals vied for colonies and trade.
• European nations increased the size of their militaries, heightening existing tensions.
• Serbia’s desire for an independent state angered Austria-Hungary.